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ISSUE 541 / MID-JANUARY 2026 / £5

WELCOME TO OUR YARD William Riordan on the magic of investing in Bath

David Flatman talks Valentine’s Day

BOLD NEW VENTURES

Celebrating an incredible 78 new local businesses

FEELING CULTURED

Actor Robert Bathurst and his arty life

ROOT’S MANOEUVRE Rob Howell and Josh Eggleton on why Bath is the perfect home for their third and largest Root restaurant

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ISSUE 541 / MID-JANUARY 2026 / NEW BIZ ON THE BLOCK

THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE

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Explore the contemporary countryside home Barn Garden

VOLUNTEER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Pauline Swaby-Wallace on why community matters

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MODERN LOVE

PHOTO BY NARR ATED FR AMES; W W W.NARR ATED FR AMES

THE RIVER MOUSE’S LUCY WRIGHT – PHOTO BY ED SCHOFIELD; W W W.EDSCHOFIELDPHOTO.COM

EDITOR’S LETTER

think the new business issue might be my favourite Bath Life of the year. It’s not only an undeniable testament to Bath’s resilience and evolution, but is also the perfect tonic to banish the January blues. All year round we at Bath Life look out for and make note of the new ventures happening in and around Bath. When we finally took tally in preparation for this feature we were astounded – last year saw a wonderful 78 new business openings and launches (starting over on page 32). There’s the big headline-grabbing stories of the significant investment happening in Shires Yard and the eagerly anticipated opening of Root from Josh and Holly Eggleton’s The Pony Restaurant Group, in partnership with Rob and Meg Howell (Rob and Josh are seen on our cover and turn to page 64 for more). But it’s the quieter enterprises that can sometimes impress more, like that of Lucy Wright (pictured left) opening a small but perfectly formed children’s and gift store, The River Mouse. And that of Jasmine Walkes the young entrepreneur who brought healthy eating to the southern slopes of Bath in the form of Blended Kitchen in 2023, and then in 2025, opened two more branches in the city with the help of her family. There are so many inspiring tales of individual determination, spirit and entrepreneurship featured here, and we hope you’re as cheered by them as we are. Having said that, we are only human, albeit Bathobsessive humans, so we are sure to have missed a few. Please do feel free share them with us. We’re here to bang the drum for this amazing city and we always value your input to help us make as much noise as possible!

SARAH MOOLLA Follow us on

@bathlifemag

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 3

for the moments between moving in and moving on

Batheaston, Bear Flat and Camden Bath camella.co.uk | 01225 255 321

COVER Root Bath’s Rob Howell and Josh Eggleton photographed by Ed Schofield; www.edschofieldphoto.com Turn to page 64 for the full story

THE ARTS

PHOTO BY ANNA BARCL AY

Issue 541 / Mid January 2026

21 ARTS INTRO The new Sir Don McCullin exhibition 22 WHAT’S ON People to see, places to go 24 CULTURE CLUB The arty picks of Robert Bathurst 27 FILMS What’s big at The Little

NEW BUSINESS

32 THE LAUNCHES OF 2025 The incredible 78 new ventures and

openings listed in full

64 ROOT BATH Why Rob Howell and the team chose Bath for their

third, and largest, restaurant

79 NETWORK LEAD The Bath Life Network Lunch at Emberwood

with Shires Yard investor William Riordan

PROPERTY

85 PROPERTY LEAD Brand new luxe townhouse up for sale 86 SHOWCASE Explore the modern charms of 1 The Barn Garden

DEPARTMENTS

12 SPOTLIGHT Great Pulteney Street stars in a new Netflix drama 15 SCENE Hello new-to-the-scene party people! 19 FLATLINE Flats on the language of love 98 BATH LIVES Meet the remarkable Pauline Swaby-Wallace

PHOTO BY NARRATED FRAMES; WWW.NARRATEDFRAMES.COM

NETWORK

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Elsie Chadwick, David Flatman, Ella Killbourn, John Mather and Sam Walker Commercial director Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Business development executive Ruby Coburn ruby.coburn@mediaclash.co.uk Production and distribution manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash. co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Media House, 1 Widcombe Parade, Bath, BA2 4JT. tel: 01225 475800; www.mediaclash.co.uk. Instagram @TheMediaClash ©All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash. We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath and Bristol. Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

10 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT

TURN BACK TIME Bath is once again the scenic backdrop for a brand new series being screened on Netflix – and no, we’re not talking Bridgerton for once. It’s The Seven Dials Mystery, originally by the Queen of Crime Agatha Christie, adapted by Broadchurch creator and Doctor Who writer Chris Chibnall and stars Mia McKennaBruce, Helena Bonham Carter, and Martin Freeman. Clare Thatcher was on hand to capture a few of the shots of the filming, which took place on Great Pulteney Street and Laura Place in August last year. She says, “I’m always drawn to things where heritage and contemporary culture intersect, and this was a perfect opportunity to capture that in action. It was fascinating to see the whole of Great Pulteney Street transformed to another era for the day.” The three-part show, which dropped on 15 January, is set in the 1920s at a lavish country house party, where a practical joke appears to have gone horribly, murderously wrong. For more: www.netflix.com

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SCENE T H E L AT E S T A DV E N T U R E S I N PA R T Y- GO I N G AC ROSS BAT H Hamish Mansbridge, Michelle Ogundehin and George-Cox

Asa Hirst, Brendan Williams and Sabina Miller Matthew Davis

Astha Sethi

Sarah Lynott and Natasha Whiting

Erica and Arthur Timothy

NEW BUSINESS SPECIAL

HI HEAL’S!

On 26 November the home furniture shop Heal’s opened on Milsom Street. Hamish Mansbridge, CEO of Heal’s was joined by the interiors authority and presenter of Interior Design Masters, Michelle Ogundehein for the official ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the store. Photos by Victoria Erdelevskaya For more: www.heals.com

The jazz trio Neon Blue Jane Middleton, Paul Forte and Mike Midgley

The new Milsom Street home for Heal’s

Edward and Charlotte Elgar The store specialises in home furniture

Hamish Mansbridge and Michelle Ogundehein

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NEW BUSINESS SPECIAL

Lisa Caldognetto, Gaby Paxton and Francesca Randese

Alice Noakes and Jessica Parkhouse

Tarquin McDonald

WELCOME TO OUR YARD!

Atsushi Hasegawa

Dan Chapman and Toni Waterfall

Richard Bertinet, Dan Brod of The Beckford Group, Neil Smith of Babington House, and Atsushi Hasegawa of The Newt were just a few of the 150 Bath-mighty who turned out to celebrate the November launch of Shires Yard held in the new restaurant Root (turn to page 64 for more). Along with a welcome speech from Shires Yard owner, William Riordan (find our exclusive interview with William over on page 79) drinks and Root nibbles were served, including mushroom skewers with red cabbage and tahini yoghurt and doughnuts with carrot jam and brown butter frosting. Photos by Ed Schofield; www.edschofieldphoto.com

William Riordan

For more: www.shiresyard.com

Dan Vaux-Nobes and Elly Curshen

Ed Workman and Alice Workman

16 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Nick Carter, Holly Woods, Dale Westgarth and Anthony Hick

Ross Wilson, Tom Kennedy, Jamie Watkins, Tine Stapelfeldt and Clare McGrath

Richard Bertinet, Josh Eggleton and Richard Knighting

FLAT LINE

“As to what my language of love might be…I’ve no idea”

This is not a love song Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Flats defines his idea of a fine romance

his is not a column about Valentine’s Day but it is a column that, to begin with at least (I’m not a proper writer so I rarely have any idea where I’m going), is about romance. I’ve had womansplained to me a good number of times by my wife the various languages of love. Despite her repeated, increasingly frustrated attempts to tattoo this list onto my leaky brain, the only one I remember is the ‘deeds’ one. And I only remember this as, albeit infrequently, when she walks into a kitchen that I haven’t cleaned she will utter: “Deeds, David. I like deeds.” As to what my language of love might be (is that how it works?), I’ve no idea. Not remembering all of the others doesn’t help, admittedly, but I expect it’s got something to do with being allowed to do whatever I want all the time and not being spoken to while I’m watching car videos. Maybe “Just let me be” is one of them? Sounds feasible. Anyway, romance. Romance does indeed mean different things to different folks. We all have our little things. There is one thing, though, that is universally known to work, in

that sense. To do the job romantically. To prove that you both love – and, critically, like – one another every bit as much as you did when you met in that nightclub in Bristol and before you got old and really, really tired all the time. Date night. It’s a gimme. A relationship-augmenting go-to. A no-brainer. It’s win/win, lads. Except, I’m not so sure they’re that good, especially if you do them too often. Please don’t misunderstand me – I adore my wife and her company and often can’t quite believe she married me (others have mentioned this apparent disparity and I’ve always chosen to take it as a compliment, thank you). I love chilling with her, I loved our little outing to town today to buy new trainers for the kids. They did so much of the obligatory impromptu sprinting both in the shop and the street that getting them to bed was not difficult this evening. So yes, I love hanging out with my wife. However, I’d rather do date night with another couple. Punchy, and not likely to win me any mates, but I stand by it and I’ve got enough mates already. We do do date night. We always walk to Walcot House and we always

overeat and she always claims her second cocktail was “one too many”. And it’s lovely! But it’s just better with another couple. Unless I’m working, my wife and I hang out together literally every night of our lives. She’s next to me now, presumably trying to drive me to homicide by asking me random, Instagramfuelled questions after I’ve asked her to just give me a few minutes to write. She can’t do it. But I love that she can’t do it. The thing is, because we’re together so much anyway, we know everything that we might otherwise have discussed on date night. There’s literally no news. Nothing that hasn’t been caught up on. We don’t sit in silence, but it’s just not as good as the new, unexpected conversational tangents on which we are taken by friends we haven’t seen in a while. One mate whom I adore to such a degree that I think we can call it love, recently stole the dinner show by declaring himself a Trump supporter before we’d even ordered. He had to get it out. His wife was mortified. By dessert he’d given up on the massive orange twat, but we had SUCH a laugh setting him straight. Another mate revealed his new hair transplant. Amazing! Best I’ve seen, as it goes, though it’s a decade or two too late for me. It was our date night and it was theirs. We just did it together and it was better. This week is a quiet one for me, and I’ll be having dinner with my beautiful wife on eight evenings straight. It’s not monotonous, it’s a privilege and I feel truly lucky. However, I don’t need to get dressed up, wait for her to get so dressed up that it makes us late, book a babysitter, then spend 200 quid doing what we’re doing now, but louder. No, if I’m making all that effort I want new smells and new gags and new stories. I want to bless my mates with our monotony and to be blessed, in turn, by theirs. Now that’s a date. David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on X/Twitter @davidflatman and Insta @dflatman

Happy New Year Thinking of selling in 2026? Call or pop in for a confidential chat about your move. We’d be delighted to hear from you.

ESTAT E

A GE NT

27 Market Street, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1LL info@jeremyjenkins.co.uk • www.jeremyjenkins.co.uk 01225 866747

THE ARTS SELF-PORTR AIT IN CROW THERS RECL AMATION YARD, ISLEWORTH 1963 BY DON MCCULLIN COURTESY OF HAUSER & WIRTH

S N A P S H O T S O F B AT H ’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

THE DON

Widely regarded as one of the most important and celebrated photographers of the late 20th century, Sir Don McCullin CBE is renowned for his unflinching and deeply empathetic documentation of war, famine and human displacement worldwide. This year he turns 90, and both the Holburne and Hauser & Wirth Somerset are marking the occasion with the exhibition Broken Beauty. The special presentation will span both the Bourgeois and Rhoades galleries, featuring works from McCullin’s 2019 Tate Britain exhibition in London, alongside seminal images from his seven-decade career. As well as his most recent body of work – striking, intimate studies of Roman sculpture captured in museums

across the world – McCullin’s only self-portrait, taken in 1963 at Crowthers Reclamation Yard, Isleworth (pictured above) will be exhibited for the first time in the UK. “I spent half a day lifting these statues into place. After I took this picture they all collapsed on to each other.” It also so happens he’s a resident of nearby Frome, and credits the area for helping him achieve inner peace: “Over the years, going to various wars, this corner of Somerset has saved and restored my sanity and given me a sense of balance just witnessing the change of the seasons and soaking up the enduring peace and silence of the land.” For more: www.hauserwirth.com| www.holburne.org www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 21

THE ROMAN BATH BY CHRISTOPHER CL ARK, COMMISSIONED BY LMS CIRCA 1934

WHAT’S ON 17 January – 14 February

It’s all about Poster Power! at Victoria Art Gallery starting 23 January until 10 May

EXHIBITIONS Until 25 January

BRUCE MUNRO: THE LIGHT THAT LASTS Curated by internationally acclaimed light-based artist and Dorothy House Ambassador Bruce Munro, this arresting collection of images features Bruce’s immersive installations from around the world. Each image captures moments in time and creates a space to reflect on those whose love remains with us and contemplate light amidst the darkness of winter. Roseberry Road Studios; www.roseberryroadstudios.com

Until 7 February

AMATA BENEDICT: IN RUINS A solo exhibition of witty artefacts, objects and homewares that leads us through doorways and over thresholds, encountering mythic stories, rituals and psychopomps along the way. 8 Holland Street Bath; www.8hollandstreet.com

Until 28 February

INVITATION: AN EXHIBITION A fascinating Windrush-era collection of photographs

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celebrating the culture, lives, legacy and impact of Bath’s firstgeneration Caribbean community. Turn to page 98 to learn more about the Bath life of Pauline Swaby-Wallace who features in the exhibition. Bath Central Library at The Podium; Instagram: @invitation_ exhibition2026

23 January – 10 May

POSTER POWER! This colourful brand new exhibition showcases an exceptional range of British posters from the 19th and 20th centuries, reflecting the spirit of the times from entertainment to travel and from political campaigns to recruiting for war. Many of the displays have links to the Bath area, including Bath Festivals posters through the ages. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

24 January – 10 May

ZANDRA RHODES: A LIFE IN PRINT A takeover Holburne display showcasing the spectacular array of Dame Zandra Rhodes’ vibrant screen-printed garments from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. The ensembles

will be displayed on dynamically posed vintage Adel Rootstein mannequins, each one telling the story of the legendary designer’s signature prints and how she has translated them into her classic garments. The legendary designer will also appear live in-conversation at The Forum in Bath on 18 March. The Holburne; www.holburne.org

7 February – 10 May

HANDLE WITH CARE: CORNELIA PARKER & HISTORIC GLASS A look through the eyes of one of Britain’s most acclaimed contemporary visual artists, Cornelia Parker, at the historic glass and found objects that inspire her work, which often centres around the themes of destruction, resurrection and reconfiguration. The Gallery at No.1 Royal Crescent; www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk

7 February – 19 September REIMAGININGS Shaped by her upbringing in London and her mixed Singaporean and British heritage, sculptural artist Hannah Lim works

with materials including polymer clay, wood, and metal to create playful sculptures that explore mythology, history, and personal reflections on identity. The Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk

14 February – 21 June

KITH & KIN: THE QUILTS OF GEE’S BEND A celebration of the extraordinary work of a group of African American women from a remote river island community in Alabama, which embodies a 200-year tradition of making quilts that hold both profound artistic and political significance. American Museum & Gardens; www.americanmuseum.org

THEATRE / MOVIES

27 – 29 January

CHINESE BOXING What do you get when an ex-British ambassador, a Qing dynasty rebellion, and a dash of unexpected roleplay collide? You get Chinese Boxing – a smart, stirring, and slightly surreal solo show that digs

WHAT’S ON

PSYCHOPOMP’S FAG BREAK WITH HOUNDS CANDLESTICK II BY AMATA BENEDICT

both academia and the ruling class, the late Tom Stoppard’s nostalgic play is an evocative meditation on art and love, exploring how creativity can bridge even the most profound cultural barriers. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

12 – 14 February

LIFE BEFORE YOU Gráinne leaves Belfast for England, chasing the promise of a better life for her daughter. She scrubs, she bleaches, she sacrifices – and piece by piece, she begins to disappear. Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

COMEDY

Every Friday and Saturday

JO HOUNSOME PHOTOGR APHY

clockwise from top left: Tom Stoppard’s Indian Ink performs at Theatre Royal Bath 10 – 14 February; Amata Benedict’s In Ruins can be seen at 8 Holland Street until 7 February; Roseberry Road Studios hosts The Light That Lasts by Bruce Munro until 25 January; Dame Zandra Rhodes’ dynamic screenprinted garments are on display at the Holburne from 24 January until 10 May

deep into the complicated history between China and the West. Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

28 – 31 January

ROBIN HOOD AND THE TRAITOR OF NOTTINGHAM Brand new family pantomime by St Philip & St James Church Drama Group with performances at St Philip & St James Church Hall, Odd Down. Search SPSJ Drama for tickets. www.ticketsource.co.uk

2 – 7 February

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella, this thrilling stage production examines friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum-security facility. Stars Joe McFadden, Bill Ward, and Ben Onwukwe. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

5 – 7 February

THE TRAGEDY OF JULIUS CAESAR William Shakespeare’s classic drama that tells the story of a political conspiracy that led to the assassination of the Roman dictator Julius Caesar, and Rome’s subsequent civil war. First performed in 1599, and now presented by the Wax Wings Theatre Company. The Mission Theatre; www.missiontheatre.co.uk

10 – 14 February

INDIAN INK Satirising the self-importance of

KROWD KEEPERS The Ale House on York Street has a secret room where some of the world’s finest magicians perform, hosted by resident conjurer Billy Kidd when she’s in town, and who promises us no rabbits or top hats. www.krowdkeepers.com

13 February

SALLY-ANNE HAYWARD The award-winning comedian is happier to be older and bolder, and to share tales of juggling lovers, dodging societal expectations and thriving without kids. Ageing isn’t a crisis – it’s an upgrade. The Rondo; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

14 February

STEPHANIE VON CLITZ The Dorset tart with a Valentine’s heart, and more than 15 years’ experience, is at Mandalyns for a night of top-tier drag and gorgeous glamour. Instagram @mandalynsbath

MUSIC 22 January

CHRIS STAPLETON TRIBUTE SHOW Led by the incredible Darren Hodson, whose powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence effortlessly recreate the energy and emotion of Stapleton’s biggest Nashville hits and sublime Southern soul. The Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

23 January

THE SKIDS Formed in Dunfermline in 1977, The Skids went on to have 10 singles in the UK charts including Into The Valley, The Saints Are Coming, and Working For The Yankee Dollar. Supported by The Au Pairs. Komedia; www.komediabath.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON 24 January

14 – 18 February

14 February

OTHER

MUMFORD & SONS Short and sweet, this 45 minute performance from the folk-rock titans is a celebration of their upcoming album Prizefighter. The Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

CHILDREN 24 January

JACK & THE BEANSTALK (SORT OF) Family theatre and rock star legend Kid Carpet hates panto. The Noisy Animals absolutely love it. So guess what they’re doing? Yep. A panto. Now there’s a beanstalk in the middle of everything, and nobody’s quite sure what’s going on. The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Based on the classic book by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, a family go on an expedition of a lifetime. The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

28 January – 16 February

REBALANCE BATH The three-week, city-wide extravaganza of wellbeing returns. Fitness sensation Joe Wicks is one of the big headliners at The Forum on 6 February. Plus a whole array of taster classes. www.welcometobath.co.uk

Until 16 June

RENAISSANCE: JOURNEYS OF DISCOVERY A year-long fascinating programme of talks and events at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, exploring how the global manifestations of the Renaissance were intrinsically linked to the new age of scientific and technological advancement. www.brlsi.org

Half Man, Half Biscuit fan, Robert Bathurst, is starring in Sheridan’s The Rivals

CULTURE CLUB with ROBERT BATHURST Acclaimed actor Robert Bathurst, who became a household name playing David Marsden in ITV1’s Cold Feet, which ran from 1997 to 2003, (with a revival 2016 to 2020) is about to star in a new production of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The Rivals. Set in the roaring twenties, and running from 27 – 31 January at Theatre Royal Bath, Robert plays Sir Anthony Absolute alongside Patricia Hodge as Mrs Malaprop. The last great film I saw… Anatomy of a Fall. There are no finer displays of acting on show than in this mystery written and directed by Justine Triet. A film I could watch over and over again… My Life As A Dog, a delightful, funny and moving story set in Northern Sweden. Best TV show ever… A film made for TV, An Englishman Abroad, Alan Bennett’s tale of the spy Guy Burgess meeting actress Coral Browne in Moscow. Alan Bates as Burgess is endlessly watchable; subtle, perky, moving and very funny. I adore his work. My TV guilty pleasure… I feel no guilt at all but censorious killjoys might pucker up with displeasure at my devotion to ITV Racing The book that changed my life… The Great Terror by Robert Conquest, a history of Stalin’s show trials in the 1930s. It sharpens an alertness to authoritarianism in all its forms.

Sally-Anne Hayward – she’s older, bolder and coming to the Rondo on 13 February

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PHOTO BY ELLIE KURT Z Z

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S NOT BUDDY Buddy Holly & The Crickets are brought back to life as they looked and sounded on their first tour of the UK in 1958 by the outstanding Spencer J & the Copy-Cat Crickets. Chapel Arts Centre; www.chapelarts.org

The book I could happily re-read… A Tale of Two Cities, it’d be a far better thing than I have ever done before.

Last live music gig…I went to Half Man Half Biscuit. Nigel Blackwell is a rocky/indy/folky performance poet with a great band, lyrics crammed with wild and properly funny references. I’ve never seen him smile but he is one of the nation’s greatest humourist musicians. My desert island disc… Christy Moore St Brendan’s Voyage. Anything by Christy would do but this one has a suitably nautical theme for me to dream about on my desert island. The first song I remember hearing… When I was six, someone Robert loves had left in our the work of the house a single, artist Victoria recently released, Threlfall, who also happens to of The Beatles’ be his wife She Loves You. I played it at full volume and my mother rushed in to demand I turn off ‘that terrible noise’. My karaoke go-to… I’ve yet to do karaoke – there’s still time – perhaps it’d be the opening number from the musical Hamilton. A painting that means something to me… I’m married to the colourist painter, Victoria Threlfall. There’s so much sludge on the market, so I love her elevating, meditative, beautifully colourful studies. For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

THE REEL THING ELLA KILLBOURN clockwise from top: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi

lead the new Wuthering Heights adaptation; The nerve shredding If I Had Legs I’d Kick You with Rose Byrne; The Secret Agent starring Wagner Moura explores Brazil’s painful past; Claire Foy stars in H is for Hawk

New Year, new films. Here’s four great reasons to head to the Little Theatre H is for Hawk

Release date 23 January

Based on the award-winning memoir of the same name by Helen Macdonald, this stars Claire Foy as Helen, who is grieving the loss of her father, a renowned photojournalist and former falconer. Somewhat unconventional in her way of dealing with this loss, she adopts and trains a Northern Goshawk, much to the anxiety and bewilderment of her friends and family. However, through her profound connection with the bird, she finds herself rediscovering the lust for life and love of nature that she shared with her father as a child. Claire Foy and director Philippa Lowthorpe previously worked together on The Crown, and channel a similar regal aloofness into Helen’s struggles with expressing her grief, as well as the dark, British humour that can surface even, and maybe especially, in the saddest moments of our lives. H is for Hawk is a beautiful and poignant cinema experience.

Wuthering Heights

Release date 13 February

From the increasingly polarising director of Saltburn and Promising Young Woman, Emerald Fennell, comes another scandalous, don’t-watchwith-your-parents joyride. This time, a warped adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Gothic novel Wuthering Heights. The story centres on the lives of Cathy (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff (Jacob

Elordi), following their jealous and destructive passion for each other as it fails to overcome social class and steadily destroys their families, affecting generations after them. In the same vein as Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, this is an intentionally modern treatment of the source material, soundtracked with music from Charli XCX, and indie darling Caroline Polachek, specially for the film. This is a loose take on the novel that explores the wild and tempestuous nature of its protagonists and the story’s setting on the Yorkshire moors. The contentious ‘sexed-up’ take on the literary classic, the unexpectedly glamorous casting choices, and an indulgent, almost Bridgerton-style periodinaccuracy, ensures ‘the greatest love story of all time’ will court controversy and fandom in equal measure.

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You Release date 20 February

Partly inspired by director Mary Bronstein’s personal experiences of raising a sick child, the film spans genres from body horror to comedy to encapsulate all of the rawest and ugliest corners of motherhood, and how indifference and isolation can swallow someone whole. Not to mention the unavoidable traumas involved in buying your child a hamster (you’ll see, and then you’ll never forget). If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is a strikingly intimate film with a nerve-shredding and unrelenting

performance from Rose Byrne at its heart. She is a mother constantly at the edge of reason as she battles to care for her daughter through an enigmatic illness, while an enormous hole in her ceiling, and the distance in her relationships, widen and widen. Throughout the film, the camera closes in on Byrne and almost entirely excludes her husband and daughter from the screen, creating a hyper-focus on Linda’s mental state rather than the obvious attention pull of the ill child. There’s a claustrophobia to the film, where Linda and the audience are unable to escape, for even a moment, the relentless demands of her circumstances.

The Secret Agent

Release date 20 February

A noir-esque thriller set in 1970s Brazil, we follow Armando (Wagner Moura) as he navigates an increasingly dangerous country under military dictatorship. His alleged crimes against the state stand in the way of his efforts to return to normal life and reunite with his son. Heartracing sequences of action and peril are offset by quiet moments of relief and connection among co-conspirators and sympathetic parties, and personal resilience is set against the juggernaut of an oppressive and powerful regime. As Armando’s past unfolds in front of us as consequences on the screen, we come to understand the realities of living in a time of political violence and corruption. Despite the heavy context, the film is visually joyous. While I’m not unconvinced that the costume and props departments had some means of time travel on hand, they deserve major recognition this awards season. The colourful, detailed, and thoroughly lived-in backdrop of 70s Recife and the gorgeously retro outfits offer a stark and welcome contrast to the weight of the plot. The film feels like a classic the first time you watch it, with an ending that makes you want to go right back and watch it again. Ella Killbourn is the cinema manager at Little Theatre Cinema, St Michael’s Place, Bath; www.picturehouses.com

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SPONSORED CONTENT

ROCKET-BOOSTING CONFIDENCE!

It’s not often that children can say they’ve performed in an abbey with over 200 others, alongside a professional orchestra. But with music and wellbeing charity VOICES FOR LIFE’S Stardust concert this January, local primary school pupils will be doing just that...

ack by popular demand, children from seven Bath primary schools will sing Jools Scott and Sue Curtis’ space-themed musical journey Stardust at Bath Abbey on 28 January. The family-friendly musical work tells the spell-binding story of six young astronauts on a voyage to the ‘happy’ planet Zarg. When a dramatic accident leaves them stranded, they must fend for themselves on ‘feeling planets’ filled with trolls, flaming fruit and more, as they find their way back to their friends. True to the charity’s mission to inspire children to be happy and confident through music, the project is as much about teaching children to cope with challenging emotions, as it is about building their singing skills. Harnessing the many wellbeing benefits of singing together, the workshops leading up to the performance

provide a fun, engaging opportunity for children to build their confidence, discover their potential, and become part of something bigger than themselves. One child, who took part in a previous Voices For Life project, said: “It was lots of fun, and it helped me recognise when I feel down that there is always a way through.” Many of the children come from under-served areas, where opportunities like this are limited. The performance is therefore the chance of a lifetime, and an incredibly proud moment for them and their families – as well as bringing together the wide community of Bath and North East Somerset. The children will be accompanied by professional musicians from the Bristol Ensemble, with narration provided by the dulcet tones of BBC Radio 4’s John Telfer (The Archers). n

Upcoming Events 1

Angela Hewitt Fri 30 Jan | Wiltshire Music Centre

Archaeo-Heritage Film Festival Thu 5 – Sun 8 Feb

Jazz at the Vaults: Bruce Adams - Trumpet Thu 5 Feb | St James’ Wine Vaults

Bath Opera presents Bizet’s Carmen Thu 19 – Sat 21 Feb | Roper Theatre

Bath Bachfest Thu 19 – Sat 21 Feb

United 4 Peace Tue 24 Feb | Bath Abbey

Tickets for the performance are available from the Bath Box Office: www.bathboxoffice.org. uk/whats-on/stardust-a-musicaljourney-4663 More on Voices for Life and its work at: www.voicesforlife.org.uk

bathboxoffice.org.uk | 01225 463362 | @bathboxoffice The Forum, St James’s Parade, BA1 1UG | Open 10am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (closed Bank Holidays)

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SET YOUR INTENTIONS FOR A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR Steve Skelding, Head of Commercial

he autumn budget, presented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, aimed to ease the cost of living but introduced measures that could affect above average earners.

CASH ISAS IN THE CHANCELLOR’S SIGHTS Cash ISAs remain more popular than Stocks & Shares ISAs, but the Chancellor wants to encourage greater investment in the domestic stock market. To shift the balance, from April 2027 the annual Cash ISA allowance will fall from £20,000 to £12,000 for those under 65. Savers may wish to review whether their current mix of cash and investments still supports long term objectives.

MANSION TAX Another measure is the so‑called ‘mansion tax’, which will apply from April 2028 to homes valued at £2 million or more. Reliefs and exemptions will be available, but affected homeowners should prepare for the annual surcharge and factor it into their financial planning.

“ALTHOUGH THE BUDGET CONTAINED SIGNIFICANT MEASURES, MOST WILL NOT TAKE EFFECT UNTIL AFTER APRIL 2026”

A new year is a fresh start, and many people set financial resolutions alongside personal goals. While individual choices matter, government policy also shapes the financial landscape

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR BUSINESS OWNERS Tax on income from dividends, savings and property will rise, impacting those with diverse income streams, including company directors. Business owners and farmers also face changes to Business Relief and Agricultural Property Relief, which could alter inheritance tax liabilities. Allowances can now be inherited rather than lost if unused, making succession planning more important for families wishing to preserve wealth.

PENSIONS AND INHERITANCE TAX From April 2027, pensions will be brought into the inheritance tax regime. Pension pots, often built up over decades, are often the largest asset an individual owns after property so careful planning is essential to ensure they are passed on efficiently. Many people turn to financial planners at this stage to clarify how best to protect their assets for the next generation.

PENSION SALARY SACRIFICE CAP A headline change was a cap on tax relief through salary sacrifice on pensions. From April 2029, only sacrificed contributions up to £2,000 will qualify for National Insurance savings. Employees who rely on this arrangement may need to revisit their pension strategy and explore alternative tax efficient options. More importantly for the over 60% of employers in the UK that don’t have a sacrifice arrangement, in place, there are still significant savings to be made for the business and employees.

TAKE TIME TO PLAN Although the budget contained significant measures, most will not take effect until after April 2026. Frozen allowances and delayed

tax changes will gradually become more noticeable, but there is still time to prepare. As you look ahead, pause to review your financial position. Key questions include: • Will frozen thresholds push more of my income into higher bands? • Do I need to rebalance between cash and investments? • How should I structure withdrawals from savings, dividends or rental income? • What does the salary‑sacrifice cap mean for my pension contributions? • How will inheritance tax changes affect my retirement plans?

FROM POLICY TO PRACTICAL STEPS Rules are complex, and knock on effects are not always obvious. Reviewing your situation with a financial planner can help translate policy shifts into practical action. Small steps taken now could deliver big rewards later. As the new year begins, take the chance to reset, reflect and ensure your financial plans align with your aspirations. With thoughtful preparation, the years ahead can feel more predictable and under control. n

No. 1 Bath Quays, 1 Foundry Lane, Bath BA2 3GZ. 0345 241 6500 Email: advice@fidelius.co.uk. www.fidelius.co.uk

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OPEN FOR BUSINESS

The revolutionary offgrid Aether Sauna

The 78 local ventures, adventures and enterprises of 2025 By Sarah Moolla 32 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

@A LIFE WELL PRODUCTIONS X AETHER

NEW BUSINESS SPECIAL

very new year, it’s a major news feature – a gloomy death-of-the-high-street lead story with disillusionment, disappointment and worry high on the agenda for most businesses. But, once again, it would seem Bath is bucking the trend and our high street is still a place of high hopes, meaning our city’s narrative appears to be one of remarkable resilience and growth. To highlight this, we’ve managed to source an incredible 78 businesses opening and launching in 2025 – these include a seamless blend of high-end national anchors and established brands including Australian bootmaker R.M. Williams. There’s a whole plethora of local enterprises adding strength to our independent scene, such as the superfood café Blended, which has an impressive two new openings this year. Signalling deep investor confidence in Bath is the exciting strategic investment happening in Shires Yard which includes the arrival of Josh Eggleton’s third Root restaurant, as well the first ever store for the prestige botanicals brand Bramley. 2026 looks set to follow the same success story, with the expansion of Marks & Spencer into the former Debenhams building, Japanese casualwear designer Uniqlo heading our way, and the department store specialist Morleys’ takeover of Jolly’s. But first, we celebrate the 78 ventures that are helping our city to flourish and thrive. Aether Sauna; www.aethersauna.co.uk Aether Sauna is a revolutionary off-grid sauna concept combining 5-star spa luxury with wild swimming at Warleigh Weir, near Bath. Expect muddy grass, esoteric oils, meditation, and stormy weather. Central to the experience is Aufguss, a European sauna ritual that Aether Sauna is bringing to the UK. Set up by Bristol-based Australian-born entrepreneur Johnny Palmer, who says, “I love to create experiences for my community, especially when it is part of a cultural movement.”

NEW BUSINESS David Chaudoir founder of Bath Hypnotherapy

Bath Hypnotherapy; www.bathhypnotherapy.com David Chaudoir launched his new hypnotherapy practice in Bath in July, Bath Hypnotherapy which offers in-person sessions locally and virtual appointments nationwide and beyond, via Zoom. After surviving four heart attacks and undergoing major surgery, David made the life-altering decision to leave behind a high-pressure career in the creative industries and dedicate himself to helping others heal. He says, “When it comes to conditions like IBS, anxiety, and insomnia, hypnotherapy is now recognised as being just as effective as traditional medical approaches – but without side effects.” Baudelaire Aesthetic; www.baudelaireclinic.com Baudelaire Aesthetic is a medical aesthetics clinic founded by clinical aesthetic practitioner Dr Dana Beiki. Launched in March 2025 on Queen Square, the clinic specialises in advanced regenerative procedures, treating skin concerns at their root and restoring long-term skin health with natural, understated results. Inspired by a move away from‚ Äúoverdone‚ Äù aesthetics, Baudelaire Aesthetics also focuses on education, individuality and subtle rejuvenation.

The Barton Gallery; www.thebartongallery.com The Barton Gallery is the latest thriving and eclectic addition to Bath’s independent shops, located between Theatre Royal and Queen Square. Spread over three floors and filled with oil paintings, art prints, jewellery, porcelain lights, antique furniture and Ikat fabrics, the venture, which opened in May, is curated by owner and local artist Agnes Pollock, in collaboration with other local artists and creatives.

Baudelaire Aesthetic was set up by Dr Dana Beiki in March

The Barton Gallery based on Barton Street, funnily enough

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NEW BUSINESS Tea specialists Bird & Blend can be found on Burton Street

Bird & Blend Tea Co; www.birdandblendtea.com Known for its playful approach to tea, Bird & Blend creates more than 100 blends, as well as Europe’s largest collection of flavoured matcha. Founded in 2013 by university friends Krisi Smith and Mike Turner, Bird & Blend Tea Co. has grown from packing tea in their bedroom to a 27-strong store portfolio, including the Bath shop that opened on 1 August on Burton Street. Mike says: “We see our stores as community hubs where customers can connect, discover tea in new ways and enjoy a bit of everyday magic.”

Blaax Coffee Co; www.blaaxcoffee.co.uk Husband-and-wife team Laurence Curtis and Abigail Carter, founded the micro roastery and community coffee shop Blaax Coffee on Cork Place at the end of 2024. Inspired by their years living in Asia, where community spaces are central to daily life, the pair have created Scandi-style interiors and a relaxed neighbourhood hub that has already built a loyal following in its first year. Laurence says, “It is designed as a welcoming space where quality coffee and connection come together.”

Blaax Coffee Co can be found on Cork Place

“We see our stores as community hubs where customers can connect” Blended; Instagram @blendedkitchen_ Blended is a tale of a feel-good brand powered by entrepreneurial and family spirit. Founded by local mum and entrepreneur Jasmine Walkes, Blended began on Englishcombe Lane in 2023, serving vibrant smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, great coffee and vegan, gluten-free food. It then expanded in March 2025 to a second site on Chelsea Road, a thoughtfully designed space for young children and families known as The Playroom and co-run with her sister, Alana Walkes. In November Blended then opened a third location inside Novi Studios in Avon Street, serving both gym members and the wider community. Jasmine says, “Rooted in real life, wellness and connection, Blended is all about good energy, good food and modern Bath living.” Jasmine Walkes now has a total of three Blended cafés, two opening just this year

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The Beefy Boys; www.thebeefyboys.com Founded in 2015 by friends Lee Symonds, Dan Mayo-Evans, Anthony ‘Murf ’ Murphy and Christian Williams, The Beefy Boys started as backyard burger experiments in Hereford that went on to win awards at Grillstock and the World Food Championships. Their Bath restaurant, at 24 Milsom Street, opened in March, serving up its award-winning dirty burgers and street food made with locally sourced ingredients. At the launch Murf said, “We’re so excited to be opening in Bath, and we want to make sure that everything meets the high standards we have set in our existing restaurants by the time we open in Bath. Our goal has always been to be the very best burger joint in the country – a mecca for all food lovers and burger aficionados.”

The Beefy Boys opened in March

NEW BUSINESS

PHOTO BY ED SCHOFIELD

Busby & Fox; www.busbyandfox.com Independent women’s clothing company Busby & Fox, which has stores in Cirencester, Marlborough, Henley-on-Thames and Farnham, as well as four in Devon and one in Cornwall, celebrated its grand opening on Broad Street on 2 December.

The Shires Yard store, which opened in November, is Bramley’s first-ever permanent shop

Bramley; www.bramleyproducts.co.uk Inspired by countryside botanicals, and founded in 2009 by Chloë Luxton in Wiltshire, the award-winning British natural beauty and wellness brand Bramley creates bath, body, and skincare products with plant-based actives and essential oils, all crafted in the UK and is proudly B Corp-certified. For the last 16 years, it has been a trusted amenity partner to leading hotels and retailers, including The PIG Hotels, Highgrove and Fortnum & Mason, championing recyclable packaging, cruelty-free formulas, and responsible production. The Shires Yard store, which opened in November, is Bramley’s first-ever permanent shop and features its full range. “To have a space where we can show our full collection is hugely exciting! Our products are rooted in the Wiltshire countryside, so it feels right that we find our first home in the West Country, and Bath has given us a lovely, warm welcome.”

Busby & Fox opened on Broad Street in December

Cambridge Satchel; www.cambridgesatchel.com Founded in December 2008 by Julie Deane and her mother with just £600 to fund her children’s school fees, Cambridge Satchel has grown into a celebrated British leather goods brand. The Bath store, which opened on New Bond Street in July, is managed by Amelja Stroe, with assistant manager George Robert Price, and forms part of a small UK and Paris store network. All bags are handcrafted in England using sustainably sourced leather, with a dedicated repairs service to ensure pieces last for decades. “Bath’s Georgian architecture and historic charm mirror Cambridge Satchel’s timeless, nostalgic designs with modern functionality.” The Cambridge Satchel arrived in the city in July

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NEW BUSINESS

PHOTO BY BET T Y BHANDARI PHOTOGR APHY

The Camella Estate Agents’ team, who have just expanded with Camella Lettings, celebrate their new business win at the Bath Life Awards last year

Carbon Chaos is a sustainability and wellbeing platform

Carbon Chaos; www.carbon-chaos.com Carbon Chaos is a sustainability and wellbeing platform, launched in September to explore the hidden carbon and health impacts of everyday choices. Founded by Bath-based Kate Orchard-Lisle and Angela Logothetis, it focuses on clothing, food, packaging and travel, aiming to make sustainability practical and achievable rather than guilt-driven. The platform blends evidencebased insight with accessible storytelling and showcases brands, businesses and individuals rethinking systems. It has attracted a growing audience of conscious consumers and small businesses seeking clarity. Camella Lettings; www.camella.co.uk Camella Lettings headed up by Chris Gray is the just-launched sister company of Camella Estate Agents founded by Melissa Anderson. Camella Estate Agents itself was the winner of the Bath Life Awards new business category in 2025. Melissa says, “We chose to enter the Awards because we’ve experienced an exceptionally successful period of exponential growth, and we felt it was important to acknowledge the hard work behind that achievement. The team has gone above and beyond and submitting for the Awards was a way to recognise both their dedication and the business’s progress.” The Bath Life Awards judges agreed, saying: “A significant impact in a short time for this technology-led agency already with two branches. Built decent market share at pace. Look out for Camella!”

CircleUp; www.letscircleup.co.uk CircleUp, a fast-growing social membership community for people in their 20s and 30s, was founded by James Telfer and Lydia D’Ancey and launched in January 2025. Based in Bath and Bristol, the platform now has more than 400 members and runs over seven events a week, from pub socials and walks to climbing, brunches, board games and memberled meetups. In a recent survey, 92 per cent of members said CircleUp improved their social life after just five events. James says, “We built what we wished existed: a fun, welcoming social circle so everyone can feel part of a real community.” Circle Up, which launched in January, is a social membership community

“We’ve experienced an exceptionally successful period of exponential growth” Chapter Interiors; www.chapterinteriors.co.uk Launched in Bath in June, Chapter Interiors, led by David and Pippa Musrie, blends architecture and interiors into a seamless, holistic service. “We redefine timeless design with originality, expert spatial planning, and effortless elegance, offering clients thoughtful, tailored spaces that celebrate how they live.” David and Pippa Musrie of Chapter Interiors

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NEW BUSINESS Chris Perry Pastel Art; www.cjperryart.com Award-winning soft pastel artist Chris Perry opened a new independent gallery on Walcot Street in April. The husbandand-wife-run space showcases Perry’s original soft pastel works alongside limited-edition prints. A self-taught artist with a background in science, Perry has exhibited with The Pastel Society, the Royal Society of Marine Artists and the Society of Wildlife Artists at the Mall Galleries in London, and recently won the Pastel Society Catalogue Award 2nd Prize. He says, “I wanted a space where I could meet people, share the stories behind the work and become part of the local community.”

Artist Chris Perry opened his new gallery on Walcot Street in April

Coco + Kate; www.cocoandkate.co.uk The original Coco + Kate wedding dress boutique, which specialises in Australian designers such as KYHA, MWL, Grace Loves Lace and Suzanne Neville, is based in Hatton, Warwickshire. In July, a second branch opened on Cleveland Place East off London Road. The bridal boutique specialists Coco + Kate came to Bath last year

Becka Leigh with her children who were the inspiration for Clubeeze

Clubeeze; www.clubeeze.com Bath-based Clubeeze, an online platform described as “the new Airbnb of kids’ holiday camps”, has launched to help parents find holiday clubs, camps and workshops for children aged four and over. Incorporated September 2025 by local parents and co-founders Becka Leigh and Graham Paterson, the site brings together activities ranging from two-hour sessions to multi-day residential camps, which can be searched by price, location, date, activity type and age group. “We know from experience how time-consuming it can be to piece together holiday options from school newsletters and scattered flyers,” says Becka. “Clubeeze gives parents a clear, central overview of what’s available so they can quickly find the right fit for their children and their schedules.”

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NEW BUSINESS The Cookery Studio opened in May

The Cookery Studio; www.thecookery-studio.co.uk The hands-on cookery school in Shires Yard, which opened in May, was founded by Madeleine Joanes and Claire Warren. It offers practical classes designed to help people build kitchen skills and connect with friends and family through cooking and baking. Recent highlights include the launch of At Home experiences, such as macaron and chocolate truffle kits.

“We are growing our family and hope to reach more people with our ‘glad to be alive’ vibe” Courthouse Interiors; www.courthouseinteriors.com Courthouse Interiors, whose HQ is in Wiveliscombe, now has its second store at Kilver, offering a vibrant blend of homeware by European designers. Owner Oliver Fatemi grew up in Somerset, and travels the world to seek out and source gems of design to suit all budgets and tastes.

Courthouse Interiors based in Kilver Court

The Cub Taproom; www.electricbearbrewing.com The Cub Taproom from the Electric Bear Brewing Co. poured its first pint in Shires Yard this October. Specialising in independent, Bath-brewed craft beer, award-winning favourites Werrrd!, Mixtape, Tondo and Unruly AF are being served. “Now we are growing our family with the birth of The Cub and hope to reach more people with our ‘glad to be alive’ vibe in the centre of Bath,” says operations and marketing manager Libby Baggett.

Libby Baggett, operations and marketing manager, and head brewer, Ian Morris at The Cub in Shires Yard

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NEW BUSINESS Laura Hughes of The Digital Detox Club

Decadorn; www.decadorn.com Decadorn officially opened its Walcot Street studio in Bath to the public with its first open event on 13 November. The studio allows visitors to see where the handmade jewellery is created, shop in person to hand-select their gemstones and be involved in the making process. Founded in 2010 by creative director Helen Clement, Decadorn creates handmade, personalised and bespoke jewellery using carefully selected natural gemstones, each chosen for its meaning and symbolism.

The Digital Detox Club; www.digitaldetoxclub.co.uk The Digital Detox Club, founded by Laura Hughes in February, is not your average Bath-based social event – they’re offline hangouts where phones get locked away, conversations get ignited, and complete presence becomes the main event. From cosy evening cafés to sauna sessions, phone-free dinners and analogue connection games, every experience is designed to remind people what it feels like to truly connect - with themselves, others, and the real world around them. “I was pushed by the ever increasing and consuming power of technology,” says Laura, “but pulled by the belief that I could help people reconnect. Maybe they’d rediscover a passion, meet someone new, or even be motivated to try a new activity and learn a new skill – most importantly to join us and feel alive again.” Decadorn, owned by Helen Clement, officially opened its Walcot Street studio in November Coopers Home Appliances, Ben Argent Kitchens and Boniti Flooring have combined forces to launch Dunsdorn Barn

Dunsdon Barn; www.dunsdonbarn.com Dunsdon Barn is a collaborative interiors destination located just outside Bath, near Dyrham Park, bringing together three well-established local independent businesses: Coopers Home Appliances, Ben Argent Kitchens and Boniti Flooring. Opening officially at the end of 2024, the barn has been thoughtfully redeveloped to create a welcoming, design-led space where customers can explore kitchens, appliances and flooring in one location, supported by specialist knowledge from each brand. Darrin Christian, managing director of Coopers Home Appliances, says, “The collaboration was born from a shared desire to offer a more joined-up and relaxed showroom experience, moving away from the traditional, fragmented approach to home improvement. “Looking ahead to 2026, the team plans to build on this by hosting open days, design events and further local collaborations, helping to establish Dunsdon Barn as a creative hub for homeowners and trade professionals across Bath and the surrounding areas.”

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The Den; www.thedencafebath.co.uk Opening early 2025 in Sovereign Point on Bath’s western riverfront, and The Den, founded by local brothers, Danny and Oakley Marsh, is a new café and bar. Designed as a welcoming, all-day space, it serves speciality coffee, brunch, weekly lunch specials, and a carefully curated drinks menu featuring wines, spirits and draught beers. There’s also a programme of weekly events including quizzes, tastings and creative workshops, making it a regular social destination.

The Den café can be found in Sovereign Point

Emberwood; www.emberwoodbath.com Emberwood,the new restaurant housed in the Francis Hotel on Queen Square, officially opened in May following a multi-million-pound restoration. Named in part after Georgian architect John Wood the Elder, it features an open kitchen and charcoal-fired hearth. Executive head chef David Hazell, formerly of Michelin-starred Paco Tapas, leads the kitchen with a menu that highlights South West ingredients with dishes such as burnt aubergine with goat’s curd, crispy Porthilly oysters, hearth-cooked Lower Westcombe Farm cote de boeuf and whole monkfish tail, alongside vegetarian options and a dessert trolley of updated British classics. The cocktail list has been developed by drinks expert Zoe Burgess, with a wine selection curated by Bath-based sommelier Claire Thevenot. Overseen by consultancy Five Graces Hospitality, whose portfolio includes Julie’s in Holland Park and Dorian in Notting Hill, Emberwood looks set to be a key destination in our acclaimed foodie scene.

“Emberwood looks set to be a key destination in our acclaimed foodie scene”

Emberwood is the new restaurant housed in the Francis Hotel on Queen Square

Ellie Thomas opened her estate agency in Larkhall in May

NEW BUSINESS PHOTO BY BET T Y BHANDARI PHOTOGR APHY

Ellie Thomas One-to-One Estate Agent; www.kwuk.com Ellie Thomas One-to-One Estate Agent opened on Larkhall’s St Saviour’s Road in May. Offering a highly personal estate agency service with a focus on high-calibre digital property marketing, the business is led by estate agent Ellie Thomas, whose background spans PR, marketing, recruitment and business development. The agency also uses its Larkhall high street space as a community hub, hosting exhibitions, valuation days and events.

Extracted; www.extracted.co.uk Bath supplement brand Extracted expanded its range with eight new targeted formulas and opened its first flagship store in April. Founded in 2022 by Bath-based husband-and-wife team Toni and Dan Waterfall-Chapman, Extracted was born from Toni’s search for an effective, natural sleep aid after years of chronic insomnia. Working with nutritionists and doctors, the pair developed Sleepee, a premium sleep supplement featuring 11 clinically backed ingredients, followed by the joint health formula Flexee. The shop on Broad Street also acts as a wellness hub, hosting workshops on sleep, nutrition and menopause. Toni says, “We’re so excited to create a space where people can learn, connect and find solutions tailored to their health needs.”

Toni and Dan WaterfallChapman, founders of Extracted

Floresco; www.florescomedia.com A new paid media agency, Floresco, launched in Bath back in March with a blend of fresh vision and seasoned expertise. It was created jointly by Bath Life publisher MediaClash and Dan Fallon, founder of SearchStar, together with former SearchStar senior team members Harriet Barter and Sally Hunt, now its managing partners. The agency is backed by MediaClash founders Jane and Greg Ingham, and MD Steph Dodd. The team say, “Floresco is all-new yet highly experienced. We combine data-driven insight with creativity to help businesses achieve sustainable, long-term growth.”

PHOTO BY MARIANNE CART WRIGHT-HIGNET T

Lisa Sargent, Sally Hunt and Harriet Barter of Floresco

The Inn at Freshford; www.theinnatfreshford.com Marianne and William Cartwright-Hignett of Iford Manor Estate have taken over The Inn at Freshford with executive chef Matthew Briddon heading up the new menu. “Hospitality, heritage, community and sustainability are at the heart of what we already do on the Iford Manor Estate, and we are bringing all those qualities now to this exceptional pub,” says William. “We are on a journey to return this pub to its former epic status, and will be renovating in phases to get there; phase 1 has got the pub back open, phase 2 will see the gardens restored in 2026, and phase 3 holds even more delights in future years.”

The Inn at Freshford has just reopened under new management

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NEW BUSINESS

PHOTO BY JULIAN PREECE

Gather Round; www.gather-round.co The co-working space creators Gather Round, who already have two hubs in Bristol, renovated the Trinity Church near Queen Square turning it into a new home for creative professionals, which opened in March. Along with the main coworking space, there is a relaxed communal area with a marble bar that can also be transformed into a 100-person venue for industry talks and networking events. Ben Steers, who co-founded Gather Round with Jason Smith, says, “Restoring Trinity has been an honour. It’s not just about modernising an incredible historic building, but about preserving its soul and creating a space where creativity and community can flourish.”

The new Gail’s bakery on Union Street

Gail’s; www.gails.com Gail’s bakery opened a new branch in April on Union Street and is part of the craft bakery brand founded by Tom Molnar, which is dedicated to handmade bread, pastries, cakes, breakfasts and lunches. The Bath store is inspired by the city’s Roman Baths and architecture, combining lime-washed walls, stone-effect flooring and oak furniture with contemporary touches. “We want GAIL’s Bath to feel both rooted in local history and welcoming to today’s community,” says marketing manager Nicola Wheeler. Unsold bakery food is shared with Mercy in Action, a charity supporting families facing homelessness and food poverty.

Trinity Church on Queen Square was restored to become the office space hub Gather Round

The George; www.thegeorgebath.com The George on George Street officially opened in July, serving British and European classics, in a contemporary reimagining of the Victorian pleasure bar – warm, mischievous, and entirely at home in one of the city’s most beautiful Georgian buildings. Sociability lies at the heart of this modern gathering space with live DJs every weekend, private dining options, and event spaces full of character.

In December Gieves & Hawkes returned to Bath in new premises

Gieves & Hawkes; www.gievesandhawkes.com Founded in 1771, Gieves & Hawkes is renowned for its craftsmanship, heritage and timeless British style, and in December, the tailoring house returned to Bath with a new three-storey store in the newly redeveloped Shires Yard. The 2,085 sq ft Broad Street space showcases the full collection, from ready-to-wear tailoring and refined casualwear to its popular made-to-measure service. Managing director Jason Gerrard says, “Our new store represents our long-term commitment to Bath and the South West.” Polenta fries and sangria at The George

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Heal’s opened its Milsom Street store at the end of November

NEW BUSINESS Golfbox Bath; www.golf-box.co.uk The premium indoor golf venue, powered by Trackman technology, opened in February at Sovereign Point in Bath. Founded by local brothers Danny and Oakley Marsh, the venue offers an accessible, modern way to play golf for both seasoned players and complete beginners. Guests can choose from casual play, coaching, group bookings and private events, with access to more than 450 courses worldwide and data-driven practice. Golfbox Bath connects directly to the new Den café and bar (turn to 45 for more), creating a combined leisure destination that blends sport, hospitality and socialising in one space. Golfbox Bath offers a new way to tee-off

Heal’s; www.heals.com The celebrated British furniture retailer Heal’s opened its Milsom Street store at the end of November. Founded in 1810 as a mattress maker, Heal’s has over two centuries of design and craft heritage, and this is its first permanent store outside London since 2017. The new multi-floor, 3,500 sq ft space showcases not only Heal’s own-brand designs but also leading designer names such as Vitra, HAY, Ligne Roset and Tom Dixon, and also offers an expert interiors planning service. Store manager George Cox says, “This city has such a strong appreciation for design and heritage, so it feels incredibly special to bring Heal’s to a location with so much character and history.” Henham Interiors; www.henham-interiors.com Founded by Katherine Henham and hard launched last year, Henham Interiors “specialises in timeless, elegant interiors for English country homes. With over 15 years’ experience, the studio offers a full service from concept to completion, including space planning, bespoke joinery, furniture design, lighting schemes and sourcing finishes.”

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NEW BUSINESS

Kindred Health is a new Bath-based private family healthcare service

Joe & The Juice; www.joejuice.com Joe & The Juice opened its first Bath location on 19 December on Stall Street, serving its signature menu of fresh juices, coffee, and sandwiches.

Joe and The Juice came to Bath in December

Kindred Healthcare; www.kindredhealth.co.uk Launched in September, this is a new Bath-based private family healthcare service. Founded by Professor Bruce Braithwaite, a consultant surgeon, and a team of 1,500 senior consultant doctors, it is the only healthcare company owned and led by doctors. Kindred offers some of the cheapest family health insurance on the market and is the only provider where up to five children go free. It is part of Alliance Healthcare, which looks after employees at companies such as Rolls-Royce.

Kutchenhaus; www.kutchenhaus.com Kutchenhaus has opened a new German kitchen showroom in Frome, offering a full end-to-end design and installation service, expanding from its established sites in Bristol and Bath. The showroom, located in a fully renovated building that had stood empty for nearly a decade, officially opened on 6 December with a launch event featuring live cooking demonstrations by Chef Jo Barwick from BSH on NEFF appliances. The Mayor of Frome cut the ribbon alongside friends, family, customers and members of the local community. Kutchenhaus celebrated its new Frome showroom opening with a launch party

Luma Climbing; www.lumaclimbing.co.uk Luma Climbing opened in May as the city’s first dedicated bouldering training facility, aimed at intermediate to experienced climbers. The gym located on Ferry Lane features an adjustable Tension Board 2 with over 12,000 routes, fingerboards and a specialised training area. Uniquely, Luma is the UK’s first commercial climbing gym to operate on an unmanned model. Co-founder Lucy Saunders says, “We wanted to create a space where people could drop in for quick, focused training sessions that fit around modern life.”

Luma is the UK’s first commercial climbing gym to operate on an unmanned model

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Luxe Amore Studio; www.luxeamore.com Luxe Amore Studio opened a new wellness studio in Bath, marking its second location after Bristol. The Bath studio, which opened in July, is located at 2 St James’s Place and offers holistic bodywork including massage, facials and reflexology. “Opening in Bath is a really special milestone,” says founder and studio director Megan Scott. “We’re excited to bring our holistic, heart-led approach to this beautiful city.”

Luxe Amore is a new Bath wellness studio

“We’re excited to bring our holistic approach to this beautiful city”

Lynsey Keyes and Sophie Clifford-Sanghad of Manipura House

NEW BUSINESS Magari Pasta; www.magaripasta.co.uk The small independent pasta workshop opened in Milsom Place, now known as Shires Yard, in early April, following its success at the Bristol branch, which has been serving “dishes rooted in tradition and creativity” since 2022.

Manipura House; www.manipurahouse.com Manipura House is a new wellness destination that opened in October and is located on a beautifully renovated five-storey Georgian townhouse at 11 Queen Street. Founded and owned by Lynsey Keyes and Sophie Clifford-Sanghad, it offers expert massage therapies focused on recovery and long-term wellbeing, including clinical, sports and pregnancy massage, as well as deep tissue massage and reflexology.

Magari also has a pasta workshop in Bristol

Makers & Merchants joined Kilver Court in November

Makers & Merchants; www.makers-and-merchants.com The online designer homeware shop, Makers & Merchants, founded by Zoe Jackson, now has a permanent home in Kilver Court as of November. Zoe and partner Nick Robinson comb Europe for inspirational and quirky design objects as part of the collections. The team are also running the plant nursery in Kilver’s courtyard, which they’ve adorned with their curated garden furniture.

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NEW BUSINESS SouthGate says hello to MyCookieDough

Marchon Gym arrived in Bath in March

Marchon Gym; www.marchon-global.com The luxury fitness brand Marchon Gym opened its Cambridge House doors on Henry Street on 31 March, following a weekend of open events with founder Ollie Marchon and his team.

“Bath is such a beautiful, vibrant city”

MyCookieDough; www.mycookiedough.com SouthGate Bath saw its latest store open its doors on 15 November at 7 Dorchester Street. MyCookieDough, the dessert brand known for its freshly baked cookie dough, thick cookies and hand-spun shakes, was created by food scientist and recipe developer Angie Gewargis, who says, “The inspiration came from a love of indulgent desserts, and we want every visit to feel like a little moment of joy.”

NRBY Clothing; www.nrbyclothing.com The womenswear brand founded in 2019 by fashion veteran Jo Hooper, has opened its third store at 32 Milsom Street. Known for its “One Mile Wear” philosophy, NRBY focuses on relaxed silhouettes in bold colours, crafted from natural fabrics such as silk, cotton, linen and cashmere – the everyday pieces that form “the three inches of your wardrobe you really wear”. Jo says, “Bath is such a beautiful, vibrant city, and we’re thrilled to open our first store outside London here and dress even more amazing women, every day.”

NRBY founder Jo Hooper outside the Milsom Street store

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NEW BUSINESS Parterre Fragrances cultivates its own rare botanicals Palette is a new café, shop and gallery space

Parterre Fragrances; www.parterrefragrances.com Parterre Fragrances, a niche perfume house founded in 2015 by Julia and David Bridger, brought its perfumery and botanical collection to Bath, opening first in Margarets Buildings in March until August, and now holding workshops in Great Pulteney Street, while they look for larger Bath premises to combine the combine a shop with perfumery, workshops and production. It is one of the few perfume houses to cultivate its own rare botanicals, to grow and distil signature ingredients for its limited-edition fragrances, created in collaboration with renowned Master Perfumer Jacques Chabert in Grasse. “We’re thrilled by the warm welcome we’ve had in Bath,” says Julia. “This city’s rich history and love of culture make it the perfect home for our perfumes and workshops, and we’re excited to share our passion for plants and scent with local residents and visitors.” Palette; www.palettable.co.uk A new café, shop and gallery space, opened on Walcot Street in March with the aim of bringing together contemporary art, thoughtful food and a focus on local ingredients under one roof. The creative brainchild of illustrator and designer Verity Slade and chef Alistair Snook, Palette was inspired by a visit to the Bakery Art Gallery in Bordeaux, and regularly hosts changing exhibitions, supper clubs, book launches and creative workshops. “Palette is really a meeting point for our passions – excellent art, great food and a love of this city,” says Verity. “Walcot Street’s independent spirit makes it the perfect home, and we’re excited to contribute to its vibrant creative scene.”

The Passage Papers specialises in luxury excursions

The Passage Papers; www.thepassagepapers.com Launched in November as an exclusive membership community for “discerning travellers who appreciate the distinction between luxury and true exclusivity. We curate discoveries for travellers who seek access, authenticity, and the narratives behind exceptional places, from hidden estates in the English countryside, to exclusive island retreats worldwide.”

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The River Mouse; www.therivermouse.com The children’s lifestyle store, tucked behind Hidden Store, opened at 2 Pierrepont Street in November. The shop was founded by local mother-of-two Lucy Wright, who was inspired by her love of magical, beautifully made things, Bath’s waterways and family-friendly concept stores seen on travels in the Netherlands. The store specialises in UKdesigned childrenswear, shoes, toys and gifts. “It was a total pipe dream of mine to have a shop – and now it’s real and ties together all the things I love,” says Lucy. “I hope The River Mouse becomes a calm, welcoming space to shop slowly, support small businesses and spark children’s imaginations.”

“It ties together all the things I love”

Lucy Wright with Natasha Whiting of the Hidden Store

Peppermint; www.peppermint-pa.co.uk Launched in August by director Maisie Read, Peppermint is a Bath-based executive support and creative services business working with high-end clients locally and remotely. The company offers a flexible mix of services, from day-to-day executive assistance and confidential project management to event organisation, brand building and website creation.

NEW BUSINESS Pockets Townhouse; www.pockets.co.uk The luxury fashion retailer Pockets Townhouse launched on Brock Street at the end of September. “There’s still something to be said about the power of physical space,” says founder Paul Platt. “Creating an environment where people can feel the fabrics, speak to experts, and experience truly great service. Bath has the kind of character and independent spirit that we really value, and I’m certain that Pockets will fit right in.” PHOTO BY JEN ALL AN; W W WJENALL ANPHOTOGR APHY.CO.UK

Peppermint is a Bath-based executive support initiative

Leah Chisnall launched Redesign Studio Interiors in January

Redesign Studio Interiors; www.redesignstudiointeriors.com Redesign Studio Interiors, officially launched in January by studio director Leah Chisnall, offers a personalised interior design service for homes and commercial spaces. A standout early project for the company was the Hop Pole Inn in Limpley Stoke, a community-owned pub now at the heart of village life. “It’s an immense privilege to create spaces where people can truly thrive,” says Leah. “Seeing the Hop Pole Inn busy and loved every day makes all the work worthwhile.” Paul Platt owner of Pockets which arrived in Bath in September

R.M.Williams; www.rmwilliams.com Founded in 1932 in a modest South Australian workshop, R.M.Williams is renowned for its handcrafted one-piece leather boots, made using more than 80 individual processes. Opening 27 November, it now brings its craftsmanship, including master boot fitting, to Bath with its Milsom Street store, which sits within the reimagined Shires Yard. R.M.Williams brings its boot craftsmanship to the city

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NEW BUSINESS Rococo of Bath manages holiday properties

Rococo of Bath; www.rococobath.co.uk Holiday property management companies Airready and Bath Luxury Stays have combined forces to become Rococo of Bath. Director Paul Ralph says, “We are so excited to unveil our new look. We wanted our brand to reflect who we are today – contemporary yet rooted in Bath’s heritage. Our new identity celebrates our history while embracing a more modern, forward-thinking approach.”

“Our new identity celebrates our history” Roost Bath; www.roostbath.co.uk Roost Bath, a holiday property management business, was founded by hospitality specialist Grant Atkinson on 30 December 2024. After a career managing boutique hotels, Atkinson launched Roost to apply his experience to his own venture, working closely with owners to realise their vision. He says, “Working for myself is incredibly rewarding, and I’m thrilled with how the business has grown in its first year.”

Grant Atkinson, founder of Roost Bath

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Rainbowls brings its healthy acai bowls to the people of Bath

Rainbowls; www.rainbowls.co.uk Co-founded by Jessica Peters, Rainbowls is a vibrant feel-good café that opened on Bond Street at the end of November, and specialises in smoothies, acai bowls and speciality coffee inspired by the belief that nourishing food can be fast, affordable and healthy.

NEW BUSINESS Chef Rob Howell, left, is co-patron of Root Bath, along with Josh Eggleton

GET TO THE ROOT!

NEW BUSINESS SPECIAL

ROB HOWELL on the why the third and largest Root has taken root in Bath Photos by Ed Schofield; www.edschofieldphoto.com

oot has brought its modern, vegetable-led cooking to Bath, with a vibrant new restaurant now open in Shires Yard on Milsom Street. Part of Josh and Holly Eggleton’s The Pony Restaurant Group, the Bath site is co-patroned by chef Rob Howell and his wife Meg Oakley-Howell, and is the biggest Root yet, following the much-loved Bristol harbourside original and the Wells restaurant. “Root has highly evolved over the years,” says Rob. “Josh and I started with a small team of people in Bristol eight years ago, trying to cook some nice food with vegetables; now we’re doing that across three sites in the South West.” Root Bath also happens to be the largest of the three. Occupying the site of the former Jamie’s Italian restaurant, it’s a striking, double-height space spread over two floors, featuring Root’s classic colour palette of green and earthy tones, offset by warm wood and plenty of natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s a buzzy open kitchen on the ground floor, lending the space more of a

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casual party vibe compared to the upstairs quieter and more serene dining area, complete with privacy affording beautifully curved tables and banquettes. But at the heart of it all is Rob’s cooking. Having helped shape Root from day one, he has become known for his inventive, vegfirst approach and quietly confident, produce-led menus. Plates roam across Europe for inspiration, giving vegetables star billing while carefully sourced meat and fish play a supporting role. Examples of joyful and inventive Root dishes include carrot and cashew houmous with fermented carrot and rye crackers; whole grilled Cornish plaice with warm tartare; and chargrilled ox heart skewers with burnt onion purée, with much of the ingredients sourced locally including the Bathbased regenerative farmers, Middle Ground Growers. Here Rob tells us a little more about the background to setting up in Bath.

Welcome to Bath, Rob! What was the motivation for another new Root, and why Bath?

We’ve been keeping watch on Bath for a while now, waiting for the right spot. It’s a great city that feels like it’s really getting its indie restaurant scene back, so hopefully this is the right time for us to be part of it. Any particular challenges setting up in Shires Yard, in Jamie’s old place?

Any opening comes with its challenges, particularly when bringing a site back to life that’s been closed for six years. We had our fair share – the behind-the-scenes bits like heating systems, extraction, internet, just the essentials. Scaling up also meant there was slightly more to consider in terms of operations and staffing, but really it’s much the same as what we’ve been doing for years now – just with a few more seats to fill. Was the move – with Milsom Place’s new Shires Yard identity – part of the attraction?

We actually looked at the site a few years back when it was still Milsom Place. In my opinion, what the new owners are now doing with the space – giving it a new lease of life, and the mix of tenants they’re selecting – definitely had its appeal. Hopefully we can all benefit from the amazing space and people within it. Jamie’s Italian in this original site was an iconic Bath

restaurant for years, so we can only hope we can do it justice. How does Root Bath differ to the two other Roots?

Each site definitely holds its own identity and qualities. They’re all fitting to the cities they’re in and what the separate teams bring to the energy of the business. The Bath site has a lot of potential with its different areas giving us inspiration for different ideas – we’re very much looking forward to seeing the terrace and upstairs space in the summer, and what we can do differently with that. What have been the highs during the process?

Seeing the site on the first visit in its unloved state, and turning it into an open, thriving restaurant was very special for me personally. Then it comes to life when you see the team all excited to get inside, working in it and bringing their own identities into the mix. Finally, let’s talk food! What can diners expect, and what’s the principles behind your menu planning?

We keep things really seasonal, fresh and tasty – whether they have meat in them or not – and it’s all designed to be super flexible so you can mix and match, share as you please or order a dish all for yourself. I try to avoid terms like ‘small plates’ – they’re just delicious, seasonal plates that put vegetables front and centre. Winter is a lovely time for comforting, hearty flavours, but come spring it’s really exciting seeing the fresh produce coming back through the door, giving us a chance to really showcase super fresh veg – that’s when Root really comes alive.

JOSH EGGLETON ON ROOT BATH

“Bath is a beautiful city filled with heritage, and a food scene we always felt would welcome Root. We took our time to make sure we had a location that felt really right for us, and would give Root some space to grow….roots! I love where we are now – in the city centre but a bit hidden, like somewhere you might have stumbled across and discovered. It’s been really rewarding to be part of the group of businesses breathing new life into Shires Yard, and we may be stepping into big shoes with the former Jamie’s Italian site, but it already feels like home.”

“We’ve been keeping watch on Bath for a while now”

Sarthi; www.sarthi.co.uk The vegan and vegetarian Indian restaurant, located in the large and grand Grade II-listed Georgian building found in the centre of Walcot Street, opened in April. Owned by Binal Viradiya, Disha Jetani and head chef Arpit Gopani, Sarthi specialises in authentic south and north Indian cuisine, including dosas, curries and biryanis.

Sarthi on Walcot Street specialises in authentic south and north Indian cuisine

“A whole plethora of local enterprises”

NEW BUSINESS

Salcombe Dairy; www.salcombedairy.co.uk Salcombe Dairy opened its new Bath shop on Pulteney Bridge in July, marking the artisan ice cream brand’s sixth retail outlet. The decision followed a successful appearance at Bath Christmas Market in 2024, plus there was an opportunity to secure a space overlooking the weir. The shop offers a completely nut-free, allergen-safe range, whilst also championing quality, sustainability and craft production.

Miles Kesterton is chef and co-owner of Se7en

Salcombe Dairy came to Pulteney Bridge in July

Se7en; www.se7enbath.com Se7en is a contemporary bar and restaurant that opened March 2025 (in the former Raincheck Bar) at 7 Edgar Buildings. Run by chef Miles Kesterton (ex-head chef at Raphael’s and former sous chef at the Methuen Arms, where he helped earn three rosettes under Leigh Evans) and front-of-house lead Kieran Crawford, Se7en specialises in fresh meat and fish cooked over fire, alongside small plates for sharing. Signature dishes include 35+ ounce sharing T-bone and Tomahawk steaks cooked over birch wood, plus vegetarian options such as endive and shiitake teriyaki.

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NEW BUSINESS Shires Yard; www.shiresyard.com Turn to page 79 for the full story of the new retail corridor and courtyard space that opened in October. And turn to page 16 for the fabulous launch party pictures.

It’s a whole new start for Shires Yard

“This upcoming year looks set to follow the same success story”

Shoppable Interiors; www.shoppableinteriors.com Interior design directors Kim Harvey and Lucy Chambers co-founded Shoppable Interiors in November, drawing on more than 20 years’ experience each in luxury interiors across the UK and abroad. Working from their Bath studio, they offer three fully customisable virtual interior design packages, providing mood boards, layouts, 2D elevations, clickable shopping lists and installation guides. “We wanted to make beautiful interior design affordable and accessible, giving clients the confidence to create a home they love,” says Kim.

Shoppable Interiors offer fully customisable virtual home decor design packages

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NEW BUSINESS

The café-bar Skogen came to Northumberland Place over the summer

Skogen; www.skogenbar.co.uk July saw the arrival of the Scandiinspired café-bar Skogen on Northumberland Place, bringing with it a range of daytime coffee, tea, and pastries, and nighttime craft cocktails, event and party hosting.

Hot water bottle specialist Slumber Luxe launched in October

Rachel Blake in her leather design studio Shrew

Shrew; www.shrewstudio.co.uk Shrew, which was officially launched by designer and maker Rachel Blake in January, creates minimalist, high-end leather bags, accessories and lifestyle goods, crafted from premium vegetable-tanned leather. Each piece is hand-cut, stitched, and finished in small batches or made-to-order in-house. The brand is proudly zerowaste and won the New Creative Business Award at the Creative Bath Awards 2025.

“The brand won the New Creative Business Award” 70 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Slumber Luxe; www.slumberluxe.co.uk Founded by Bath-based Rachel Phelps and launched in October, Slumber Luxe specialises in exquisitely soft hot water bottles made from 100 per cent pure organic Arbas cashmere, each piece crafted from heavy-gauge 6-ply yarn. The brand positions its products as statements of refined taste and mindful living, with a strong focus on quality, well-being, and considered design.

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NEW BUSINESS Soaf Wyatt Make-Up; www.soafwyatt.co.uk In autumn make-up artist and beautician launched her career as a brow and lash technician in Giuseppe’s of Bath on Terrace Walk. With a background in film and TV, Sophie now specialises in natural make-up as well as skincare, eyebrow and eyelash treatments. “I have been a make-up artist for 12 years, but with a family, the long hours of film and TV didn’t work for me anymore. I also co-own Giuseppe’s of Bath hair salon with my husband, which we took over last year, so I set up the beauty side of the business in here. So instead of creating monsters, characters and special effects for the big screen, I focus on making clients feel beautiful!”

Madeline Blackburn and Stephanie Hill outside The Somerset Rooms

Soaf Wyatt has turned her attention from special effects to beauty and brows

Sosandar; www.sosandar.com SouthGate Bath welcomed the region’s first Sosandar store in February. Founded in 2016 by co-CEOs Julie Lavington and Alison Hall, Sosandar is known for its trend-led, affordable, quality clothing, footwear and accessories for style-conscious women. The co-founders say, “ This marks an exciting milestone for our brand as we continue to expand our physical presence on UK high streets, and we are enjoying bringing our signature style to the people of Bath.”

The Somerset Rooms; www.thesomersetrooms.com Upon meeting, Madeline Blackburn (Soul Spa & The Minerva Therapy Rooms) and Stephanie Hill (Radio Bath and The Laughter Works) recognised the need for more therapy rooms in Bath and in December 2024, the pair opened The Somerset Rooms on Queen Square. As well as wellness sessions, the space offers talking therapies, mindfulness courses, yoga, reiki, EMDR, tapping, EFT, CBT, book clubs, association meetings and rooms for hire.

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SouthGate is home to the region’s first Sosandar store

Somer Store; Instagram.com @store_somer The sustainable fashion store and creative community space, which opened in June, was created by Future Fashion Works at Bath Spa University. Spread over two floors on Bartlett Street, it showcases unique fashion, art and ceramics from more than 150 local and South West makers, including Bath Spa students and graduates. Somer champions upcycled and one-off pieces, supports independent retail, and offers creative business coaching for emerging brands.

Bartlett Street’s Somer Store opened in June

“Showcases unique fashion, art and ceramics from local makers”

NEW BUSINESS Sydney’s Bar & Kitchen; www.sydneysbath.co.uk Sydney’s Bar & Kitchen opened in May on Monmouth Place, next door to its sister restaurant The Scallop Shell. Founded by husband-and-wife team Garry and Lisa Rosser, the relaxed two-floor bar and kitchen features a suntrap terrace and focuses on simple sharing dishes, classic cocktails and an elegant wine list. Dishes include potted Somerset ham with Madeira jelly, slow-roasted pork belly with colcannon and salsa verde, roasted portobello mushroom with wild garlic rarebit and goat’s cheese, plus seafood favourites such as Cornish hake in a bun.

Charlie Salter, the chef and owner of SupperSub

SupperSub; www.suppersub.com Private chef Charlie Salter founded SupperSub in January 2025, offering fortnightly dinner party menus, private catering, rural supper clubs and specialist menus for Valter Longo’s Fast Mimicking Diet. After a stint on MasterChef and cooking for a local charity, Salter gained the confidence to cook for larger groups and launch his own venture. “With encouragement from friends and the local community, I created SupperSub so people can enjoy restaurant-quality food at home.”

Sydney’s focuses on simple sharing dishes

“Our city’s narrative is one of remarkable resilience and growth” Tennygrove Vineyard; www.tennygrove.com Tennygrove Vineyard, at Upper Shockerwick Farm in Bathford was planted by Ally and Rupert Walsh in May 2023, with their first wine released in the summer of 2025. Inspired by their favourite film, A Good Year, and the vineyard-friendly climate on their hillside outside Bath, the couple set out to create quality local fizz. Ally says, “Selling our first edition bottles of Tennygrove Sparkling has made all the hard work worthwhile.” Ally Walsh and the Tennygrove fruition

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NEW BUSINESS TONIQ; www.toniq.life Founded over a decade ago by Arron Collins-Thomas and now run with partners Hetty Atlon and Antonia Hempleman-Adams, Toniq blends modern fitness with holistic practices. Its second venue, following the Green Park studio, opened on George Street in August and is home to a serene yoga studio, a hot and cold therapy spa, a ride studio, and a coffee shop. “We believe true wellbeing comes from balancing training, restoration and nourishment,” says operations manager Antonia. The Village in Larkhall regularly hosts foodie pop ups

Toniq now has a second home on George Street

The Village Café & Bar; www.thevillagelarkhall.co.uk The neighbourhood gem, serving café and bistro classics to eat in or take away, opened at the end of 2024 on St Saviours Road in Larkhall, and is owned by Holly Bower and Kalvin Simmons. “We wanted to create a warm, welcoming space – a little bit café, a little bit bistro – rooted in the local community,” says Holly. The Village, which also has a sun terrace, hosts regular foodie pop-ups, creative evenings with local makers and monthly backgammon meet-ups.

“We wanted to create a warm, welcoming space rooted in the local community” The Welly; www.thewellybath.com The Welly, a dog-friendly taproom on Green Street, opened in October and was founded by Somer Valley Farms owner Chris Watt and head brewer Chester Ellis. Born from their family farm just outside Bath, the new venue sits between being a relaxed local pub and a quality restaurant serving small plates from chef Peter Lewis, formerly of Henry’s, showcasing beers brewed with homegrown barley, and celebrating the land, produce and community. The Welly is a celebration of the land, produce and community

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NETWORK

THE CITY’S HOTTEST BUSINESS NEWS

NEW BUSINESS SPECIAL

JUST WILLIAM

HOTEL INVESTOR AND SHIRES YARD OWNER WILLIAM RIORDAN ON WHY THE ‘DEATH OF RETAIL’ HAS BEEN GREATLY EXAGGERATED

NEW BUSINESS SPECIAL

THE WHOLE FINE YARD Real estate developer WILLIAM RIORDAN is a hotel guy at heart, but his revitalisation of Bath’s famed yet underused shopping-and-eating destination Shires Yard is creating an exciting home for both new and existing businesses

Words by Paul Marland Main photo by Narrated Frames; www.narratedframes.com 80 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ight in the middle of Bath, but semiinvisible – tucked away, as it is, between Milsom Street and Broad Street, a twolevel maze of courtyards, terraces, corridors and vaults – Shires Yard is at once both essential and frivolous, home to high-end artisan businesses and attractive restaurants, but rarely an essential anchor tenant, unless the enduring Côte Brasserie perhaps counts. Originally (like, in Georgian times) an area of stables for the big coaching inns, it launched as an upmarket shopping centre in the late ’80s, and over the years has doubled in size, been renamed Milsom Place, then recently reverted to its original moniker; at times it’s seemed quite sad and empty, but no longer – under new ownership and direction, we’ve seen a remarkable revival, a purple patch that’s added Magari (home-made pasta), Coret Coffee & Wine, The Cookery Studio, Bramley (body and skincare products) and, perhaps most strikingly, the two-floors-plusterrace of Root, the latest venture

NETWORK opposite: William at the Bath Life

Network Lunch in Emberwood with host Greg Ingham; left: The plans for Shires Yard are still evolving; inset: The event at Emberwood included lunch and was completely sold out

“IT’S A FALSE RUMOUR THAT RETAIL IS DYING”

by Josh & Holly Eggleton’s Pony Group. With major tenants like Bosco, Bandook, Côte and The Botanist still thriving, it’s been quite the revival. Heading it up is US/Swiss/ Brit property developer William Riordan, who calls it, “a dream of mine since I was a little boy. I originally tried to buy my neighbour’s house when I was eight years old – then tried to turn my house into a hotel. How did that go? Terribly. It’s called stealing, and my mother was a little upset with me.” Attracted to Bath because “it’s almost on par with London and Paris; people come here before they visit many other European capitals”, and to Shires Yard in particular for the sheer charm of its 75,000 (pushing towards 100,000) square feet, across 25 or so Georgian buildings, he sees nothing but good things for the area over the next few years. “On one side there’s Milsom Street, one of the great shopping streets of Europe, and on the other is Broad Street, where the new Fashion Museum is being developed. Then, just off to the side, there’s Walcot Street, one

of the coolest spots in the southwest. We know what we’re doing, but we’re still switching around the units a little, and adding to them. And we’ll hopefully be opening an extraordinary hotel soon, though it’s still not clear exactly how that’ll work. There’s so much more to do.” As a long-term investor and owner, William plans to be in this for the long haul – “we don’t buy and flip” – and feels retail is due something of a revival. “It’s a false rumour over the past 20 years that retail is dying, it’s boring. In fact, to my mind, there’s just been a lack of focus on it, as people have looked at other industries. But it’s been around for thousands

of years, and some of the most dynamic and exciting businesses have emerged from retail. Think Harry Selfridge, or two mentors of mine – Burt Tansky, who ran Neiman Marcus in the States, and Marvin Traub, who ran Bloomingdale’s. Wonderful people who created – it sounds very cheesy – emporiums of wonder and delight. And these were places where people came and gathered and gossiped and shopped and did everything from the most rudimentary things in life to the most elevated. We’re community animals, and that’s what retail is all about.” William’s Oberland company started off in hotels, with retail an almost accidental addition.

“So many hotels are essentially spaceships that have landed in the centre of city, and they’re very inward looking. But the best of them attract the local community in, so when you walk inside there’s a real buzz, and you feel like you’re participating in the life of the city. Our philosophy with Shires Yard is that if we create somewhere for the people of Bath that feels like it’s theirs, a place they love to come to get their coffee, then you start to attract the right type of tourist too.” They’re looking to create an atmosphere of constant healthy change, so core anchor tenants will remain steady and solid, but a rotation of events and experiences will make this somewhere worth coming back to. “We’re talking emerging businesses,” William says. “The sort that have seen Bruton, for instance, evolve from a small town into a truly international destination. In a previous life, when I participated in building much larger retail destinations, we’d say, okay, if we have Chanel and Gucci and Dior, that would be spectacular. But even then, it was the emerging brands that were most exciting: people are sophisticated, and somewhat bored, and they want to feel an authentic connection to the city around them.” Expect pop-ups, then; perhaps concept stores. But what’s really going to make this place work – considering it’s a complicated site and “relatively small ticket, as they say in the real estate private equity world” – is the continued interest of long-term owners who are passionate about the buildings, have a lot of energy, and really want to do something unique. So far, it’s paying off. “We’ve a vested interest in Bath continuing to improve,” William says. “We’ll be here, whether you like us or not, for the next couple of decades.” For more: www.shiresyard.com | www.mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 81

NETWORK SCENE

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NEW BUSINESS SPECIAL

Photos by Narrated Frames; www.narratedframes.com

AWDRY LAW IS COMING TO BATH

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AWDRY LAW is opening its new offices in Bath on 19 January!

ath is about to welcome a new name in legal expertise. Awdry Law Solicitors, one of the South West’s most established firms, is opening its doors in the city on Monday 19 January 2026. The new office at 3 Northumberland Buildings, Wood Street will offer a full range of legal services for individuals and businesses alike. From property transactions and family matters to wills, probate, employment law, and commercial advice. Whether you’re buying your dream home, planning for the future, or navigating business challenges, Awdry Law aims to make the process smooth and stress-free. The team has already shown commitment to the community of Bath

by sponsoring the Christmas tree outside Bath Abbey and completing a 38-mile charity walk in support of Julia’s House Children’s Hospices, finishing right at the doors of the new office. These efforts reflect the firm’s values of teamwork, care, and community spirit. For Bath residents and businesses, this means having trusted legal support right on your doorstep. It’s also an opportunity for legal professionals and operational staff to join a progressive firm that’s growing while staying true to its roots. Our doors will be open 19 January, pop in to say hello. Awdry Law is ready to make Bath its home and looks forward to helping local people and businesses thrive. To find out more: www.awdry.law

Happy New Year! Planning a move in 2026? Get in touch for a valuation. Property expertise with a personal, tailored service — designed around you.

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PROPERTY P L A C E S T O L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY

above: Holburne Park’s Bridgetower Drive; below: Only four out of 130 new homes remain on sale

Development

NEW BUILD ON THE BLOCK Holburne Park’s Northside Villa comes up for sale A newly built five-bed home is now on sale at the city’s newest premium development, Holburne Park. The Northside Villa on Bridgetower Drive, which is being sold via Savills for £1.65million, is a 2,700 sq ft property with Georgian-style proportions and architecture that echoes Bath’s historic terraces. However, everything inside is designed for today’s lifestyles, from flexible living spaces to full-fibre-to-premises connectivity for ultrafast broadband. Hunter Harling, head of residential development sales for Savills Bath, says, “Only four townhouses remain for sale out of over 130 new homes built at Holburne Park. Despite the challenging market conditions, the homes have sold very well, thanks largely to the quality of the scheme and its location. Buyers have also appreciated the simplicity of the offer – the homes are available on the freehold tenure with more or less everything included, from the flooring to the appliances and even the woodburning stoves, which have proved very popular.” For more: www.savills.co.uk

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PROPERTY

INTO THE VALLEY

The brand new home embracing a fresh architectural approach to rural living

umber one The Barn Garden is a beautifully conceived detached home forming part of a private collection of just five newly built houses in the village of Great Elm, Frome called The Barn Garden. This limited number of homes creates a calm, uncluttered setting, offering both a sense of community and a feeling of space and privacy. Each house within the collection has been individually designed, ensuring no sense of uniformity, while sharing a common architectural language that gives the development a coherent and considered identity. Designed in an agricultural style and arranged over two storeys, The Barn Garden offers four double bedrooms alongside generous, light-filled living spaces. The architecture takes cues from traditional farm buildings, interpreted through a modern lens. Vertical natural timber cladding sits above a warm brick base, complemented by profiled metal roofing. Large expanses of glazing define the elevations, opening the house to its garden and framing long views across the valley and towards woodland beyond.

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By Elsie Chadwick

“Sustainability has been central to the creation of the Barn Garden”

The rear elevation, in particular, demonstrates the relationship between architecture and landscape. Broad sliding doors and full-height windows reflect the sky and surrounding greenery, while the simple, barnlike form gives the house a grounded and confident presence. Soft planting, permeable surfaces and an enclosed garden further enhance the natural setting, while maintaining a sense of order and refinement. A sheltered entrance leads into a welcoming inner hallway, where a striking glazed opening immediately draws the eye through the house and floods the space with daylight. This sense of transparency and flow is a defining feature of the design. To the right of the hallway is a cosy snug, offering a more intimate retreat that works equally well as a quiet sitting room, home office or playroom. To the left, the layout opens into a generous dual-aspect living space that brings together kitchen, dining and sitting areas. This expansive open-plan room has been carefully planned to support modern living while remaining visually calm and balanced. Extensive glazing on two sides captures changing light throughout the day and creates strong visual links to the garden and

surrounding landscape. A wood-burning stove provides a focal point within the sitting area, adding warmth and texture, while the dining space sits beside large sliding doors that open directly onto the patio, making entertaining and outdoor living feel effortless. The kitchen is centred around a substantial island with breakfast bar, finished with Quartz worktops and high-quality cabinetry. Practical spaces are thoughtfully integrated, including a separate utility and boot room with external access, ideal for country living. A guest cloakroom and additional storage complete the ground floor accommodation. Upstairs, four well-proportioned double bedrooms are arranged around a family bathroom. The dualaspect principal bedroom enjoys far-reaching views and benefits from an en-suite bathroom with separate shower, along with a dedicated dressing room or walkin wardrobe, creating a calm and private retreat. The remaining bedrooms are versatile and well suited to family life, guests or home working.

HOUSE NUMBERS Guide price

£945,000

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Receptions

For more Savills, 21 Milsom Street, Bath; www.savills.com

Outside, the enclosed garden is laid to lawn with a paved terrace, providing a peaceful setting for outdoor dining and relaxation. Driveway parking for two to three cars is provided, with planting and materials chosen to sit comfortably within the wider scheme. As part of the Barn Garden collective, The Barn Garden benefits from being within a small, carefully planned development where quality, sustainability and individuality have been prioritised over scale. The five homes share a mixed aesthetic that includes elements of asymmetry, double gables and Dutch barn influences, ensuring visual interest while maintaining harmony across the site. Sustainability has been central to the creation of The Barn Garden, with extensive measures taken to reduce environmental impact and protect local flora and fauna. Features such as air source heating, underfloor heating, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points ensure efficient, future-focused living. With high EPC ratings across the collection, these homes offer a considered balance of contemporary design, energy efficiency and a strong sense of place.

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SPONSORED CONTENT NADINE STEVENSON GOUGHS SOLICITORS 01249 717 884 www.goughs.co.uk

MEET THE

PROPERTY EXPERT For all things home – from buying to selling and from interior design to home heating – we talk to those in the know

ED DOWNING

AGM PLANNING CONSULTANTS 01225 681589 www.agm-ltd.co.uk What area do you specialise in? We specialise in all aspects and sectors of planning. However, being based in Bath, we are experts in Listed Building Consent. On average we submit around 80 applications to Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) a year for a variety of residential and commercial projects, and I particularly enjoy working on some of Bath’s unique Grade I properties. How can your services add value to a property? Whether preparing a property for sale, or assessing a recently acquired or prospective purchase, we often look to maximise value through a review of planning opportunities. Securing planning consent can increase market value in any number of ways, from transformative extensions, all the way to large housing developments in sought after locations. Furthermore, in Bath there are over 5,000 listed buildings, and we’re often tasked with securing retrospective Listed Building Consent for works that have already been carried out, ensuring the full value of the property is maintained upon sale. What’s the best project you’ve worked on? It’s hard to choose just one! I would have to say obtaining permission for a small rural development of three houses in the Chew Valley was incredibly rewarding. Whilst the design is superb, the satisfaction came from the journey to bring them to fruition. It sounds simple, but our client had been unsuccessful in securing permission for 4 years until we took on the project. By breaking down the proposal and playing to its strengths, we secured permission for all three houses, which will be going on the market in spring 2026 – so look out!

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What do you love most about working in property? I love working in property because it lets me be part of such a fundamental milestone in people’s lives and it is very rewarding come completion day. I also thoroughly enjoy the strong connections this job allows me to build with local Bath business from agents, banks, financial advisors, contractors, etc. Collaborating with them not only supports the local community but gives the clients a more personal experience with people who know the area inside out. What key mistakes should buyers/sellers avoid? One of the biggest mistakes Buyers and Sellers make is waiting too long to instruct a Solicitor. Choosing the right Solicitor early means paperwork can be prepared in advance, title questions resolved sooner and communication kept smooth throughout. A pro-active property Solicitors can be the difference between a straightforward transaction and one that drags on. If you could change one aspect of property law what would it be? If I could change one thing about property law it would be to reduce the red tape that Solicitors have to work through. While checks and safeguards are essentials, Solicitors are increasingly burdened with tasks that are more suited to lenders and banks, particularly when it comes to anti-money laundering and financial scrutiny. It would be great if systems were introduced allowing banks to take the lead, freeing up Solicitors to concentrate on the legal work that truly matters.

EMERALD RYMER ASPIRE TO MOVE

01225 444 333; www.aspiretomove.co.uk Tell us something about yourself and why people should contact you? I have been described as an innovative, empathetic and impactful property consultant. If you would like your biggest asset looked after using tailored problem solving methods such as maintenance videos, then do get in touch! What are the key values of your business? • Amazing service as standard • Seamless in all we do • Proud to support our community • Independently proud • Respected and trusted • Enthusiastic about property What professional accomplishment has made you proudest? Being shortlisted for and then winning the ‘Rising Star Award’ at the Bath Property Awards has to be my stand out accomplishment so far. Being recognised by my team and other professionals within the city I adore and work in has to be a highlight. What do you love most about working in property? The people. From the landlords and tenants, who we genuinely care for, to my team and the people we work so closely with, nothing beats teamwork and having a shared goal that everyone passionately works towards.

SPONSORED CONTENT

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business specialising in all aspects of building and restoring local Bath Stone properties. It can supply and fix all stone requirements for new builds or extensions. The team’s heritage skills qualified stonemasons are also expert in repairing and restoring existing stone on listed properties in order to fulfil planning requirements. Boundary Farm, Berryfield, Melksham SN12 6EF; Tel: 01225 703733; www.sandridgestone.co.uk

NO17 INTERIORS offers a range of bespoke

interior design services. Based in Bath and with vast experience in designing and installing developer show homes, hotels and residential properties for private clients, Lisa has the knowledge and skills to work to any brief or budget, whether looking to redesign, update existing furnishings or simply commission new curtains. email: lisa@no17interiors.co.uk; tel:07977 271503; www.no17interiors.co.uk

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Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. It’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003

Clair Strong Interior Design is a boutique, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. Her portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as hotels, sports clubs, offices and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905;

A bespoke, tailor-made, client-focused interior design consultancy service based in Bath. Specialising in residential interior design and providing a truly personal service adapted to each client’s needs, Jennifer’s unique style blends seamlessly between period and contemporary homes. The aim is simple – to create spaces that bring joy, reflecting her clients’ lifestyles and personalities. Tel: 07738289189; www.jennifermosse.com

business specialising in painting and decorating, plastering, tiling, sash window restoration and other property restoration. Nexus have built a reputation for the highest standards of workmanship with experience across a range of projects from listed buildings through to new builds, with a complete commitment to customer service and health and safety Tel: 01225 300414; www.nexusofbath.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 97

WORDS BY SAM WALKER | PHOTO BY ANNA BARCL AY

BATH LIVES

PAULINE SWABY-WALLACE The former manager of the Bath Ethnic Minority Senior Citizens Association on arriving in England in 1969, why her school grades suddenly improved, and her belief in community Pauline Swaby-Wallace has worked as the manager of the Bath Ethnic Minority Senior Citizens Association (BEMSCA) based in Fairfield House, which offers support to Bath’s older members of the Caribbean, Asian and Chinese communities for three decades. She is about to step down but it’s onto pastures new in the key role as a community connector, as well as helping to tackle health inequalities. Here we learn a little more about Pauline’s impressive life… My parents Enid and Winston Swaby had answered the call to help rebuild England after the war. Like many

other children in Jamaica, I stayed behind, as did four of my brothers, so my parents could forge a new life for their family. I was brought up by my grandmother Daisy May Reid in Spanish Town in Jamaica who was a real role model to me.

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Daisy was a teacher and had such a wonderful soul; she had

two schools, one for kindergarten and one for those who weren’t able to go to school on a regular basis so they could come in the late afternoon or evening. If I’d stayed living with her maybe I would have been a teacher myself because she gave me that encouragement and opportunity to teach the children. I came to England in October 1969 when I was ten years old.

I had left Jamaica dressed up in my best clothes, but for Jamaican weather, not for English weather! I’d come with a cardigan and came off the BOAC plane and had to walk across the tarmac at Heathrow; I don’t know how I did it – it was so cold that my teeth were chattering but once I got inside my parents were there with a coat for me. I’m one of ten children. We

lived at Upper Camden Place and when I arrived I met my

“I’ve always believed that you must bring up another generation to take your place” other siblings especially the ones who were born here. I had not been made aware of them and I’m not sure if they were aware of me, but we had to get on, and we are stronger for that; we still get on to this day.

and Bath, and you got to know this community of people. I do remember the discrimination in the way the older workers, in particular, were spoken to, but (despite that) it managed to a place to bond with colleagues.

I remember being taken to school and going down Morford

It was volunteering that really shaped the path for my career. I volunteered at

Street to St Andrew’s School off Julian Road. It was icy and slippery all the way down. There were quite a few Black children – and, of course, they just welcomed me in, so I felt at home.

Senior school was Diocesan School for Girls, now St Mark’s in Baytree Road. The

uniform was bottle green with a felt hat. It was also really nice to go to because there were a lot of older Black girls there coming from different places across Bath, and some of them, like me, were born in Jamaica or Barbados. My parents had high expectations of school. In my

first year I came home with my school report and my mother said, ‘I’m not sending you to that school to keep the seat warm, you’re going to go back to Jamaica.’ She sent me to the doctor to have my injections for going back, packed my suitcase, and it sat at the bottom of the stairs for the whole summer holidays. She didn’t send me back to Jamaica, but that got me moving, and after that, I made sure I did well!

My first job was at the Bowyers factory in Trowbridge. I was there for

about five years. It was another place with lots of Black people coming from all over Wiltshire

the Supplementary School for Black children at Riverside in Bath, as well as number 3 Abbey Green, then home to the Bath Racial Equality Centre (BREC), working alongside the late racial equality campaigner Beryl Dixon MBE. It was working at Bath West Indian Social Activity Centre, (another premises also known as Number 3) on the London Road where we also ran a café that gave me more experience for community work; that led me to my work at BEMSCA and I’m still here 30 odd years later! BEMSCA has been a life’s work and I have enjoyed every

moment of it; I’ve always believed that you must bring up another generation to take your place and I am pleased that my role as community connector still sees me helping our community and our Elders; they may not be my parents but they are like parents, as that is how we live in our community, we are a family.

Pauline features in Invitation: An Exhibition, which celebrates the Windrush generation in Bath and is currently running at Bath Central Library until 28 February. For more: www.bemsca.org.uk | Instagram: @invitation_ exhibition2026